網頁

星期日, 1月 30, 2022

波士頓風雪停車禁令 31日凌晨6點解除

MAYOR WU TO LIFT SNOW EMERGENCY AND PARKING BAN MONDAY, JANUARY 31 AT 6:00 A.M.

Residents urged to abide by snow regulations, offer help with shoveling sidewalks, fire hydrants and pedestrian ramps to older adults and neighbors with disabilities
BOSTON - Sunday, January 31, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the snow emergency and parking ban currently in effect will be lifted Monday, January 31 at 6:00 a.m. Residents parked in participating discounted lots and garages must remove their cars by 8:00 a.m. to avoid being charged regular rates. The use of space savers is permitted for 48 hours after the end of the emergency. Space savers are prohibited at all times in the South End. Space savers that violate these rules may be collected and discarded by the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department had over 920 pieces of snow and ice control equipment treating and clearing Boston's streets throughout the storm. Public Works crews will begin targeted snow removal operations on Sunday, January 30. Property owners are reminded that sidewalks were required to have been shoveled by 10:00 a.m. this morning, and must be kept clear of snow and ice after the storm. A 42” wide path of travel is required to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
 
“This was a historic storm and we truly saw so much collaboration from our city workers and the community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m so grateful for the incredible teamwork to have the roads mostly cleared already. I’m so thankful to everyone who took the time to check on their neighbors and stayed off the streets.”
 
Boston City Hall, 1010 Massachusetts Ave., BCYF community centers and Boston Public Library branches will be open tomorrow. Boston Public Schools will be open on Monday, January 31.
 
As a reminder, trash and recycling pick-up will continue on a regular schedule. Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App. Street sweeping is cancelled until further notice. 
 
Residents are able to look up towed cars and find information on which company towed their car on the City of Boston's online database or by calling Boston Police Department at (617) 343-4629. The City of Boston tow lot is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 10.30 p.m. Residents can use the kiosk at the City’s tow lot 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. For more information, visit here or call BTD at (617) 635-3939.
 
Snowfall began around 10:00 p.m. on Friday night and continued until around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday night. At times, snow was coming down at more than three inches per hour. The storm was officially designated a blizzard by the National Weather Service. By their measurements, the City of Boston received a total of 23.8 inches. Temperatures will remain cold throughout Sunday and into Monday morning, with wind chills in the single digits and below zero overnight. 
 
Residents are reminded to call 911 to assist individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather. For non-emergencies, residents can call 311.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston. Please follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.
 
Rules on clearing snow:
  • Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property. 
  • Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited. 
  • Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.
 
Safety tips:
  • Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency.
  • Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.
  • Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow.
  • Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders, and be mindful of slippery surfaces. 

Dress for the weather:
  • Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face coverings in indoor public places.
  • Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
  • Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
  • Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.
  • Always wear a hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  
  • Dress children warmly, and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.
  • Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch for signs of frostbite:
  • Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia:
  • These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

Heating safety:
  • Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly. 
  • Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.
  • Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, and it is poisonous and potentially deadly.
  • Don't place electric space heaters near curtains or other flammable materials. Turn them off before you go to bed.

For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow

星期六, 1月 29, 2022

Baker Polito Administration Continues to Urge All Residents to Limit Travel Throughout Winter Storm

 Baker Polito Administration Continues to Urge All Residents to Limit Travel Throughout Winter Storm 

 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined public safety and transportation officials to update Massachusetts residents on the ongoing winter storm. With heavy snowfall rates and wind gusts causing whiteout conditions, residents are urged to limit non-essential travel as the storm continues and clean up proceeds. Drivers should avoid travel tonight through tomorrow morning as crews continue clean up efforts.

 

Forecasts continue to predict maximum snow totals of near 30 inches in parts of the South Shore and eastern Massachusetts, with 18 to 24 inches in central parts of the state and up to 12 inches in parts of Western Massachusetts.

 

Light to moderate snow will continue into Saturday evening, with snow expected to end in the eastern part of the state by 11:00 PM.

  

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)’s ban on travel for tractor trailer trucks, tandems and special permit haulers is in effect until midnight. Drivers of large trucks must continue to use caution after midnight and are encouraged to travel at or below the speed limit after the ban is lifted as drifting snow may cover road surfaces and storm crews will continue to be on highways involved in operations. 

 

The Massachusetts National Guard has equipment and personnel standing by to assist the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and local authorities with twelve teams positioned in the eastern part of the state.

 

Over 100,000 customers are without power at this time, mostly in southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands. The Administration remains in close contact with the electric distribution companies (EDCs), who are working to restore service quickly and safely to their customers; however, winds must subside to 35mph or less in order for utility crews to be able to enter bucket trucks and address powerline issues.

 

MBTA and Commuter Rail:

The MBTA continues its suspension of Green Line D train service and the running of replacement bus service between Reservoir and Kenmore Stations. The Mattapan Line remains suspended with replacement buses. Ferry service between Charlestown and Long Wharf continues to be suspended. Decisions to suspend bus service will be made on a route-by-route basis.

 

The Commuter Rail continues to operate on a regular weekend schedule for all lines, with the exception of the Fitchburg Line running a storm schedule with trains operating between Littleton and Wachusett. On the Fitchburg Line, the planned bus diversion is canceled for Saturday and trains will operate between Littleton and Wachusett.

 

For the protection of workers and riders, the previously planned weekend work on the Silver Line between South Station and Silver Line Way as well as on the Green Line D Branch from Newton Highlands to Riverside has been cancelled.

 

MBTA emergency crews continue to be prepared throughout the storm to respond to instances of broken rail, issues affecting the power systems, potential switch problems and any water-related issues that may occur.

 

The MBTA’s Emergency Operations Center will closely monitor rail and bus service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at www.mbta.com/winter. Service alerts will be posted on Twitter at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR

 

Highway Safety:

MassDOT deployed approximately 3,000 pieces of state and vendor equipment for snow and ice operations. MassDOT urges members of the public to stay updated on reduced speed limits, tractor trailer bans and roadway conditions.

 

Public Safety:

The Commonwealth’s Emergency Operations Center in Framingham and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Regional Emergency Operations Centers in Tewksbury and Agawam remain activated and staffed.

 

Nearly 30 communities have stood up local Emergency Operation Centers to coordinate with MEMA. Ten local and regional shelters and five warming centers have opened in eastern and southeastern areas of the state.

 

DCR Closures:

Parking bans along Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) managed parkways remain in effect. The parking bans are consistent with local municipal bans where the parkways are located, and will be lifted shortly after the completion of snow and ice clearing operations. The agency asks all drivers on coastal parkways to use extreme caution and to watch for lane closures due to potential flooding and storm debris in the roadways. Furthermore, all coastal DCR-operated parking lots, as well as some agency-managed recreational facilities, are closed due to the storm, but are expected to reopen at varying times on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Please visit DCR’s website and Twitter @MassDCR account for updates.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with MEMA, National Weather Service, MassDOT and MSP to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. Please visit mass.gov/snow to learn what you should do during and after a winter storm.

紐英崙中華公所首次董事大會為1500萬元節能提案出現重建大同村建議

紐英崙中華公所新任主席雷國輝首次主持董事大會。(周菊子攝)
             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所2022邁向新紀元,125日晚恢復實體會議,有7名新董事報到,物業等4委員會順利改選。只是2個半小時的會議,一半花在小組委員選舉,一半花在朗讀財政及行政報告上,未善用2個月才召開一次的會議時間。

紐英崙中華公所2022屆職員,左起張青梅,陳余寶愛,翁宇才,
雷國輝,阮鴻燦,
主持首次董事大會。右一為行政主任朱蘇珊(周菊子攝)
              中華公所的財政,物業管理,土地發展,在中華公所總資產逾5000萬元,卻面對華福樓外牆防水工程70餘萬元,警報系統更新20餘萬元,因儲備金不足,出現借款或貸款建議,大同村遵循節能減碳新法規的工程估價1500萬元等諸多狀況,在在顯示中華公所董事其實需要很多時間來釐清公所營運狀況。

            本屆中華公所職員半新半舊,主席雷國輝,中文書記翁宇才是新上任,英文書記阮鴻燦,財政陳余寶愛,核數張青梅都是連任原職。

左起張青梅,陳余寶愛,翁宇才,雷國輝,阮鴻燦等主持
2022
首次董事大會。(周菊子攝)
              雷國輝強調要重新落實中華公所的服務社區使命,將約聘2名社工,在公所會址協助民眾翻譯文件,代填表格,回答有關社會福利的諮詢等。在回答董事有關薪資問題時,他表示這2人暫時以一週2天的兼職方式工作,估計一年僅需一萬多元。

              雷國輝在他擔任主席,首次主持的中華公所董事大會中,溫和展現擔當,責成行政主任應在大會召開前一天的更早時候,把附有中文翻譯的書面報告交給各董事,好讓各董事有合理時間來消化報告內容,做有意義討論。

2022年度中華公所董事大會第一件大事是選舉物業,選舉/章程,
財政,核數等小組委員會成員。公所職員左起翁宇才,阮鴻燦,
張青梅(坐者),陳余寶愛,雷國輝等人一起開票。(周菊子攝)
             中華公所董事大會的慣例是在召開董事大會前12星期之前,就把相關文件以電子郵件或信件,發給所有董事。有中華公所董事透露,中華公所行政主任朱蘇珊的4頁報告,以及18頁附件,是在開會前一天才收到的,而且只有英文。

              4頁報告,內容包括大同村的空調系統維修或更新計畫;喜露街(Herald) 50號的土地發展近況,附帶說明中華公所聘請的律師事務所Casner & Edwards已和中國超市(C-Mart)律師William Phelan (曾任昆士市市長) 晤談,並於118日發給對方律師一份談話備忘錄。另外還有華福樓 (Waterford Place) 的維修,融資,以及大同村停車場的土地發展近況。

許多中華公所董事對選舉結果十分關心,紛紛走到黑板前查看票數。右起梁利堂,
甄若素,余積驍,陳建立,雷國輝,梅錫銳,阮鴻燦,翁宇才。(周菊子攝)
             其中還提到波士頓市政府通知 (文件上的發文日期為202113),將實施名為BERDO 2.0的碳排放能源新規定,2022515日生效,若提出申請,生效日期可延至1115日,到期不符規定,每天罰1000元。

              最後一頁,是提議積極考慮重新發展大同村,因為大同村管理公司Winn Management評估,更新大同村的氣空調及水管系統,約需耗資1500萬元。該報告稱不建議用罄大同村戶口內的錢來支付這筆費用。

前排左起馮武成,陳文珊,陳黃海蘭等董事坐在位子上看開票。(周菊子攝)
              由於這一提議,在中華公所行政主任發給中華公所董事的約18頁英文附帶文件中,有一份是大同村冷暖氣空調系統及水管維修、更新工程的綜述與估價,不計算在施工期間安排大同村居民住旅館的花費,約需1180萬元。另一份文件是日期註記為123日,目前受聘為中華公所土地發展顧問的Peter R. Munkenbeck所準備,描述他為中華公所做大同村重新發展項目顧問的工作範疇與報酬提議。

             Peter R. Munkenbeck在文件中指出,重新發展大同村這類項目,一般為期5年,作為顧問,他將為中華公所尋覓建築師,工程公司等各方面專家,代和聯邦及州市政府聯繫,尋找可申請的經費,確認聯繫人等等工作,甚至列出了執行為期2年的大同村實體維修及樓宇內外改善等工程。在報酬部分,他列出顧問費每小時200元,外加中華公所作為土地發展商所得土地發展費的5%

中華公所董事們各自的座位都刻意排開,保持疫情安全距離。右起,關麗莎,鄭慧民,
梁添光,黃國威,何遠光,池元山,阮謝少珍,陳家驊。(周菊子攝)
              4頁紙雖然不長,但內容幾乎全部茲事體大。中華公所的董事們的確沒有足夠時間可以消化。事後有董事私下表示,大同村屋齡不過50年,是否需要做這麼大規模的整修,有沒有其他可行辦法,應該深入討論,再做決定。也有董事好奇的表示,他們才第一次聽到重新發展大同村的建議,怎麼就已經有人撰擬出顧問合約草案,而且沒有訂定付費上限額度。

              財政陳余寶愛在會中唸了一遍她在會前發給董事們的財政摘要報告,另說明經董事忠告,之前草擬的2022年度中華公所營運預算,將留待新一屆的財政小組討論後,再提交給董事大會。

              在財政摘要報告中,中華公所截至202112月底止,營運帳戶餘額358千餘元,比11月份少了17千餘元。在這份包括11月及12月的2個月合計報告中,收入部分包括大同村管理費4萬元在內,共約5萬元,支出包括行政主任朱蘇珊,鄺坤珍2名全職員工,以及4名兼職員工,5名董事會職員的薪資48千餘元,律師事務所Casner & Edwards5000元,Peter R. Munkenbeck的合共2400元,網站維持費750元等在內,共67千餘元。

              明細項目還包括SCM大樓 (也是喜露街50)可負擔住宅基金帳戶有餘額483萬餘元,已付出大同村停車場土地發展費12萬元,以及喜露街50號的區域規劃,許可及顧問費的146千餘元。

              去年曾傳出大同村自從繳清聯邦政府貸款後,累積至今已為中華公所帶來1700萬元現金,但財政報告上並無這一記錄,中華公所董事們其實也大都不清楚,中華公所到底有多少資產,多少負債。     

紐英崙中華公所2022年有新董事共7人,計有華人經濟發展協會的周萬欽,朱沛國堂的朱瑞生,李氏公所的李德源,波士頓榮光會的池元山,至德三德公所的周樹昂,藝聯慈善社的鄭慧民,以及波士頓華埠退伍軍人的馮武成。

耗時不下1小時推選出來的各委員會成員為,物業小組8人,余麗媖(32),陳家驊(25),陳仕維(24),鄭慧民(23),陳黃海蘭(23),黃國威(22),李源沛(22),司徒宗達(21),將由英文書記阮鴻燦任召集人。

選舉/章程小組8人,陳建立,蔡倩婷,鄺元杰,梁利堂,關麗莎,陳秀珍,梁添光,李德源。

財政小組6人,Patricia Barnwell,黃光野,馮武成,陳文珊,李碧香,鄺炎彬。

核數小組2人,阮謝少珍,李盧蓮馨。

中華公所已定22日晚6點在帝苑大酒樓慶祝農曆新年,但礙於新冠病毒疫情,今年將不邀請外賓參加,公所董事可攜眷參加,所有費用由中華公所支付,預計總共10席。波士頓華埠社區每年一度的農曆新年舞獅,已安排於213日舉行。

星期五, 1月 28, 2022

Governor Baker Urges All Residents to Avoid Travel Throughout Winter Storm

 Governor Baker Urges All Residents to Avoid Travel Throughout Winter Storm 

 

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today is urging the people of the Commonwealth to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for the upcoming winter storm, which is expected to severely impact much of Massachusetts and bring blizzard conditions. Current forecasts predict eastern Massachusetts may receive 18 to 24 inches of snow, with as much as 30 inches possible in certain areas of the South Shore, with over 12 inches in central parts of the state and lesser amounts in western Massachusetts.

 

Beginning Friday night, and continuing throughout the day Saturday, the storm has the potential for strong winds, heavy snow and limited visibility, as well as flooding in some areas. Forecasts also predict high snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour with strong wind gusts, creating white out conditions and poor visibility on roadways and making it hazardous for travel.

 

Due to the forecast, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is implementing a tractor trailer travel ban on the state’s interstate highways from Saturday between 6:00 a.m. through midnight for tractor trailer trucks, tandems and special permit haulers. MassDOT urges all of these large truck drivers to plan accordingly and to stay off the roads to allow MassDOT crews to work.

 

The Massachusetts National Guard has equipment and personnel standing by to assist the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and local authorities with high water and stranded driver rescues if needed.

 

“We are actively monitoring this weekend’s winter storm, and we are urging residents to stay home and to allow crews to safely treat and clear roadways,” said Governor Baker. “We will keep the public informed, and we remind everyone to please check in on neighbors in need and to assist in keeping sidewalks and fire hydrants clear.”

 

“This storm has the potential for high winds and flooding in some coastal regions,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to collaborate with state agencies and local officials as the storm progresses, and we encourage residents to ensure they are prepared.” 

 

This storm could cause power outages throughout the state, particularly along the coast, in eastern and southeastern Massachusetts and on the Cape and Islands. Utility crews are being staged to assist in restoring power. People are reminded to stay away from any downed utility wires. 

 

MBTA and Commuter Rail:

The MBTA has announced that service on the Green Line’s D Branch and on the Mattapan Line is suspended Saturday. Shuttle buses will replace both D Branch service and Mattapan trolleys. Additionally, ferry service between Charlestown and Long Wharf is suspended tomorrow. Many buses are expected to operate on Snow Routes as weather conditions worsen. Crews will be working to clear snow and ice and respond to incidents such as downed trees, throughout the transit system, including the Commuter Rail, and T customers are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops. 

 

The Commuter Rail will operate on a regular weekend schedule for Saturday. On the Fitchburg Line, the planned bus diversion is canceled for Saturday and trains will operate between Littleton and Wachusett. MBTA and Keolis crews will be pre-positioned at key facilities and infrastructure (switches, signals, etc.) to help ensure normal operations. Switch heaters and snow jets will be activated in critical areas as snow and ice begin to accumulate Friday night to ensure normal flow of train traffic. 

 

The MBTA’s Emergency Operations Center will closely monitor rail and bus service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at www.mbta.com/winter. Service alerts will be posted on Twitter at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR

 

Highway Safety:

MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment available for snow and ice operations and this includes over 1,400 plow and spreader combos, 2,100 plows, and 460 front-end loaders. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has postponed road tests scheduled on Saturday, January 29 due to the storm. Massport advises travelers to check with airlines as most airlines have already postponed flights scheduled for Saturday. MassDOT urges members of the public to stay updated on reduced speed limits, tractor trailer bans and roadway conditions.

 

Public Safety:

The State Emergency Operations Center at Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Headquarters will activate Saturday for the duration of the storm to monitor its impacts, coordinate response efforts and support impacted communities.  MSP will have increased staffing for storm patrols and will offer additional support as needed statewide, and MSP Marine Unit assets and equipment will be pre-positioned to assist in flood-rescue efforts if needed. Residents are encouraged to check with their local public safety officials for shelter and other resources available during and after a storm, and can call 2-1-1 for any non-emergency storm questions. 

 

DCR Closures:

This evening, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement parking bans for agency-managed parkways. Parking bans will be consistent with local municipal bans in which the parkways are located, and are expected to be lifted shortly after the completion of snow clearing operations. All coastal DCR-operated parking lots, as well as some agency-managed recreational facilities, will also be closed. Please check DCR’s website and Twitter @MassDCR for updates.

 

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with MEMA, National Weather Service, MassDOT and MSP to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. Please visit mass.gov/snow to learn what you should do before, during and after a winter storm.